Universal Air Pattern Controller for a Diffuser

ABSTRACT

A universal air pattern controller for use in conjunction with a slot diffuser comprises one or more tubular, elongate universal air pattern controllers mounted with a spring clip to a diffuser frame. The diffuser frame comprises two side frames mounted on opposing sides of a center frame by a spacer, each of the side frames and center frame having flanges which define an elongate slot from which air exits the diffuser. The universal air pattern controller is suitable, without modification or customization, for use in both conventional and linear slot diffuser applications and in non-traditional curved, angled, or specially-shaped diffuser applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention is directed toward air pattern controllers forcontrolling the direction and velocity of air flow from a diffuser intoa room. In particular, the present invention is directed toward auniversal air pattern controller for use in air slot diffusers of anyshape, including curved applications.

2. Prior Art

Air distribution devices, also referred to as diffusers, are typicallyset into a ceiling or other walls in a room and receive conditioned airalong their length from a supply duct. Slot diffusers have elongate,narrow slots, each of which is open across its full width and enclosedby a frame. In order to successfully supply air into an occupied space,an air supply system must deliver air from suitable locations, inappropriate volumes, in proper directions, and at correct velocities.Except in very high-ceilinged spaces, the proper direction for airemitted from the diffuser is in a tight, horizontal pattern closelyhugging the ceiling of the occupied space. The primary means foreffecting such a horizontal pattern in a slot diffuser is through an airpattern controller within the slot diffuser approximately at or adjacentto the plane of the ceiling undersurface, which deflects the air acrossthe ceiling.

Slot diffusers are used in many different environments for introducingheated or cooled air flow into an occupied space, and are frequentlyused to satisfy architectural concepts that require continuous lengthapplications without compromising air distribution performance.Conventional slot diffusers are generally either linear or curved,though the configurations can present other specialized shapes.

In some applications, it is desirable to provide a high velocity airstream from one or more air slots that flows generally perpendicularlyinto the room relative to the face of the diffuser. In otherapplications, it is desirable to direct one or more air streams in otherdirections relative to the face of the diffuser into the room. Airpattern controllers contribute to the performance of a slot diffuser,and preferably provide a range of air pattern adjustments.

One conventional air pattern controller typically used in conjunctionwith a linear slot diffuser is the axial adjustable, or “ice-tong,”pattern controller. Ice-tong air pattern controllers are assembledextrusions typically constructed with two separate curved vanespivotally mounted at a top end on a vertical member such that each ofthe respective vanes pivots in an opposite direction away from thevertical member. The hinge point at which the two vanes are connectedpermits a user to direct two points on a bottom or working end of thevanes to create a desired angle, or to contact a side wall. Thepositioning of the vanes in either opposite directions or the samedirection dictates the direction of the air flow from the correspondingair slot. Alternatively, pivoting one or both vanes such that theworking end of the vane contacts a side wall can completely obstruct theflow of air from the air slot. Examples of this conventional type of airpattern controller can be seen in the PTBA series plenum linear slotdiffusers made by the Krueger Manufacturing Company, and in the MLseries linear slot diffusers made by The Titus Company. Ice-tong patterncontrollers allow for simple adjustment in the direction and volume ofthe air flow

Although it is standard practice in the HVAC industry to providepattern-adjustable linear slot diffusers that utilize ice-tong patterncontrollers, these controllers are not suitable for curved applications.The pivot points of the ice-tong pattern controller, which are necessaryfor its operation, cannot be aligned properly if an arc is present inprofile of the slot diffuser. Additionally, an ice-tong patterncontroller cannot be rotated to accommodate a curved diffuser profilebecause the curvature of the ice-tong pattern controller cannot maintainalignment within the diffuser frame. Ice-tong pattern controllers can beadjusted to alter the direction and velocity of air flow, but suchadjustments require the manual placement and use of extra positioningparts to selectively “hang” the ice-tong pattern controller elements ina desired manner. The installation of these extra positioning partsincreases the necessary cost, materials, and assembly time. This isparticularly problematic when adjustability is not a requirement for theapplication.

Other conventional air pattern controllers used in conjunction with slotdiffusers include blade-style pattern controllers. Blade patterncontrollers are fixedly mounted to a slot diffuser side wall at amounting end, and direct air around a working end and out of thecorresponding air slot in a fixed direction. These pattern controllersare typically L-shaped extrusions, with a short arm connected at avertex to a long arm. The short arm extends from the mounting end, andis permanently fixed to the side wall, typically by spot welding, suchthat the long arm extends substantially perpendicularly into the airslot space to direct the flow of air as it exits the slot diffuser.L-shaped blade pattern controllers can be modified for use inconjunction with a curved slot diffuser. This curvature, however, oftenresults in erratic throw patterns.

Though blade pattern controllers generally allow for easy installationwith few necessary parts in fixed applications, use of a blade patterncontroller in a curved application as described above requireslaborious, time-consuming, and skilled constructing, notching,positioning, and mounting. Further, the L-shaped blade patterncontroller profiles tend to twist when manufactured, and when installedin curved slot diffusers because the neutral axis does not lie in aplane perpendicular to the direction of curvature. Thus, constructing aslot diffuser with an L-shaped blade pattern controller requires afourth surface to counteract twisting, which must be tuned manually withhigh precision.

Testing has shown that L-shaped blade pattern controllers do not performwell when compared with conventional air pattern controllers, includingthe ice-tong pattern controller. L-shaped blade pattern controllers usedin conjunction with slot diffusers typically suffer from high noiseoutput and an unacceptable pressure drop when air is directed over theknife or square working edge. Often, a complete loss of pattern controlresults. Further, the gap between the room-side of the patterncontroller and the frame flange also contributes to the pressure dropbecause a Coand{hacek over (a)} effect is not generated until the fluidstream leaves the diffuser.

Conventional air pattern controllers, thus, are not ideally suited foruse in slot diffusers with curves or other shapes. Air patterncontrollers that are capable of being used in curved or shaped slotdiffusers typically suffer from poor performance, and must besignificantly modified such that the construction, shape, and/ormounting of each air pattern controller is unique to the specificapplication. What is needed is an air pattern controller that can easilybe mounted in a desirable position within a linear, curved, angled, orshaped slot diffuser. Further, a single air pattern controller design isneeded for universal use in all available slot diffuser shapes withoutmodification of the controller. Still further, an air pattern controlleris needed that can be mounted within a slot diffuser using a smallamount of time and parts. It is to these needs and others that thepresent invention is directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A universal air pattern controller in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention comprises at least one elongate, tubular elementmounted within a slot diffuser frame. The substantially smooth andcurved surface of the universal air pattern controller provides superiorperformance when compared with conventional air pattern controllers,especially when used in curved or uniquely-shaped slot diffusers. Thetubular profile of the universal air pattern controller allows for quickand easy mounting within a slot diffuser of any shape without furthermodification.

In an exemplary embodiment, the universal air pattern controller is usedin conjunction with a two-slot air diffuser. The slot diffuser comprisestwo side frames mounted on opposing sides of a center frame. A linearbar, H-bar, or other conventional spacer joins the side frames and thecenter frame, and provides structural support to the slot diffuser. Theside frames each have a flange extending from a bottom edge of the sideframe toward the center frame. The center frame likewise has two flangesextending from its bottom edge toward each corresponding opposing sideframe. The side and center frames can be slidably mounted at their topedges to the H-bar on a track having an upper and lower lip, or can befixedly mounted with screws, bolts, welding, or the like, or can besnapped into place into a reciprocally mating profile.

In one embodiment, a tubular universal air pattern controller is mountedin each of two air slots and abuts both the side frame flange and thelower lip of the side frame track such that both universal air patterncontrollers are mounted distal to the center frame. Alternatively, theuniversal air pattern controllers can be mounted such that each abutsthe center frame flange and the lower lip of the center frame track. Inthis embodiment, both universal air pattern controllers are mountedproximal to the center frame. Also alternatively, any combination ofthese positions can be employed to achieve flow patterns in oppositedirections from selected air slots.

Once positioned, the universal air pattern controllers can be held intoplace with one or more spring clips. In one embodiment, the spring clipscan have a profile adapted at a first end to mate with the lower lip ofa side frame track or center frame track, and at a second end to abutand firmly hold the universal air pattern controller into place. Thespring clips of this exemplary embodiment are removably attached, andcan be applied at regular or desired intervals in order to secure theuniversal air pattern controller within the slot diffuser. In otherembodiments, the spring clip is fixedly attached.

The universal air pattern controller of the present invention mountedwithin a slot diffuser induces a maximized Coand{hacek over (a)} effectwhen the curved surface of the tubular universal air pattern controlleris applied into an air stream. This is because the working surface ofthe of the universal air pattern controller transitions seamlessly, orat least provides a substantially smooth or curved transition, into theinterior frame surface. Thus, the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect iscreated at a point before the fluid leaves the slot diffuser, whichcauses the air to flow in a tight path across the ceiling of an occupiedspace.

The universal air pattern controllers can be mounted in a fixed positionagainst the side frames and side frame flanges or the center frame andthe center frame flanges of the diffuser with conventional mechanicalfasteners to hold them in position. The universal air patterncontrollers can be mounted in both curved and straight slot diffuserswith one or more spring clips without the requirement of additionalmounting parts. In an alternative embodiment, the universal air patterncontrollers can be applied in pattern-adjustable slot diffusers byimplementing only pattern controller translation because the universalair pattern controller itself is not required to rotate, even as ittranslates along a curved path.

Although the universal air pattern controller is not strictly requiredto be unitarily tubular or perfectly circular in accordance with thepresent invention, this embodiment of the universal air patterncontroller is preferred. The universal air pattern controller can easilybe manufactured using a 3-point roll former or similar equipment withoutsignificant deformation or twisting because of the orientation of theneutral axis the even surface relative to the roll-former.

These features, and other features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in therelevant art when the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments is read in conjunction with the appended drawings in whichlike reference numerals represent like components throughout the severalviews.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of two universal air patterncontrollers positioned in a linear dual slot diffuser with an end capremoved in accordance with the present invention

FIG. 2 a is a front elevation view of two universal air patterncontrollers positioned in a linear dual slot diffuser with an end capremoved, showing a distal positioning of the universal air patterncontrollers and a horizontal direction of airflow.

FIG. 2 b is a bottom perspective view of a curved dual slot diffusershowing a distal positioning of the universal air pattern controllers.

FIG. 3 is a front cross sectional view of a slot diffuser with a singleair slot and a single universal air pattern controller with a fixedmount in an exterior lower position.

FIG. 4 is a front cross sectional view of an embodiment of the universalair pattern controller in an adjustable implementation, demonstratingpositioning of the universal air pattern controller in a first exteriorlower position and the transition path to a second an interior lowerposition, respectively.

FIG. 5 is a front cross sectional view of one half of the slot diffuserof FIG. 1 showing the universal air pattern controller mounted withinthe slot diffuser with a spring clip.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the curved dual slot diffuserof FIG. 2 b.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view the curved dual slot diffuser of FIG. 2 b,assembled, showing a distal positioning of the universal air patterncontrollers with spring clips.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Illustrative embodiments of a universal air pattern controller 15 forcontrolling the flow of air from a slot diffuser 10 into an occupiedspace in accordance with the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1through 7. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, an exemplary embodiment of auniversal air pattern controller 15 is used in conjunction with atwo-slot linear air diffuser 10. The slot diffuser 10 comprises twoopposing parallel side frames 20 mounted on opposing sides of a centerframe 25. The first and second side frames 20 and the center frame 25include flanges 30 in edgewise opposition to each other to define anelongate discharge air slot 45 therebetween (FIG. 3). It is preferablethat the side frames 20 and center frame 25 be constructed from aluminumextrusions.

The side frames 20 each have a single narrow longitudinal flange 30formed as an integral extrusion and extending inwardly toward the airslot 45 at a bottom edge. In one embodiment, side frames 20 furthercomprise a track 40 having an upper lip 40 a at a top edge and a lowerlip 40 b between the top edge and the flange 30, which define a recessedarea 41. The track 40 faces inwardly toward the air slot 45, and can beformed integrally with the side frame 20 extrusion, or can bemechanically attached thereto.

The center frame 25 is an intermediate wall within the diffuser having a“T-shaped” cross-section, and forms a means for dividing the spacebetween the opposing side frames 20 and a support for the structure. Thecenter frame 25 comprises two narrow longitudinal flanges 30 formed asan integral extrusion, each extending in opposite directions toward aflange 30 of a corresponding side frame 20. Both flanges 30 of thecenter frame 25 join together to form a continuous surface and createthe “T-shape” of the extrusion. The flanges 30 are intended to bemounted in overlapping fashion with adjacent ceiling tiles (not shown)in the ceiling of the occupied space in which the slot diffuser is to bemounted. The center frame 25 also optionally comprises two tracks 40,each having an upper lip 40 a at a top edge and a lower lip 40 b betweenthe top edge and the flanges 30 of the center frame 25, which definerecessed areas 43. Each track 40 faces a side frame 20, and can beformed integrally with the center frame 25 extrusion, or can bemechanically attached thereto.

The center frame 25 can be mounted to each side frame 20 via a spacer,for example, a dual-sided horizontal H-bar 35. In this embodiment, theH-bar 35 has portions on each side capable of mating with a track 40 oneither or both of a side frame 20 or a center frame 25 such that theH-bar 35 is adapted to slidably connect to the side frames 20 and thecenter frame 25. The center frame 25 is attached to a side frame 20 byslidably mounting the correspondingly-shaped portion on the side of theH-bar 35 into a recessed area 47 (FIG. 5) of the track 40 defined by theupper lip 40 a and lower lip 40 b of the first side frame 20. The H-bar35 is then slidably mounted in a similar manner to the track 40 on thecenter frame 25 facing the corresponding first side frame 20. Thisprocess is then repeated on the other side to attach the second sideframe 20 to the center frame 25. A complete slot diffuser 10 willtypically have a spacer such as an H-bar 35 at each end of the diffuser,and can have one or more H-bars 35 spaced therebetween as needed toprovide support for the slot diffuser 10 and to keep its component partsin place. The H-bar 35 also functions to provide structural support tothe slot diffuser 10. Thus, the H-bar 35 is preferably constructed froma metal material to maintain its rigidity.

In other embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 3-4, a linear slot diffuser 10comprises only two side frames 20 connected to a single H-bar 35 withoutany center frame 25. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-4, the flanges30 of the side frames 20 define a single air slot 45. Alternatively, thelinear slot diffuser 10 comprises multiple side frames 20 and multiplecenter frames 25 connected by a corresponding number of H-bars 35. Thisembodiment would typically define two air slots 45 per pair of sideframes 20. FIG. 5 discloses one half of a linear slot diffuser 10 with aside frame 20 and a center frame 25. Optionally, end caps (not shown)can be applied at each end of the diffuser to enhance architecturalappeal.

The universal air pattern controller 15 in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention comprises one or more elongate, tubularelements 15 mounted within each air slot 45 of the slot diffuser 10. Theuniversal air pattern controller 15 abuts both the flange 30 and thelower lip 40 b of the track 40 of the side frame 20. Preferably, theuniversal air pattern controller 15 is a single, unitary and enclosedtube with a circular cross section extending substantially the length ofthe slot diffuser 10. In dual-slot applications, two universal airpattern controllers 15 are mounted distal to the center frame 25.Alternatively, the pair of universal air pattern controllers 15 can bemounted such that each abuts one of the flanges 30 of the center frame25 and one of the lower lips 40 b of the track 40 of the center frame25. In this alternative embodiment, both universal air patterncontrollers 15 are mounted adjacent to the center frame 25. Alsoalternatively, any combination of mounting positions can be employed toachieve the desired air flow into the occupied space. In single-slotapplications, at least one universal air pattern controller 15 ismounted on either side frame 20 between its corresponding flange 30 andlower lip 40 b in a first position 50 a (shown in FIG. 4) or a secondposition 50 b depending on the desired direction of air flow.

With reference to FIG. 5, the one or more universal air patterncontrollers 15, once positioned, can be fixedly or removably attachedand held into place with one or more spring clips 55. The spring clip 55is a thin, flexible piece of wire or other similar molded or shapedhardware suitable for supplying supporting frictional force to urge theuniversal air pattern controller 15 into engagement with the side frame20 or center frame 25 and hold it securely into place. In an exemplaryembodiment, the spring clip 55 has a profile adapted at a first end 65to mate with the lower lip 40 b of the track of the side frame 20 orwith the lower lip 40 b of the track of the center frame 25, and isadapted at a second end 60 to abut and firmly hold the universal airpattern controller 15 into place. The spring clips 55 in this exemplaryembodiment are applied at regular or desired intervals in order tosecure the universal air pattern controller 15 in place within the airslot 45. The spring clips 55 are preferably removably attached to theside frame 20 or center frame 25 of the slot diffuser 10 and theuniversal air pattern controller 15. In alternative embodiments, thespring clips 55 or the universal air pattern controller 15 are fixedlymounted to the side frames 20 or the center frame 25 with a mechanicalfastener, such as a nail, screw, or bolt, by welding, or with anadhesive.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the universal air pattern controllers 15 areoriented in a position distal to the center frame 25. This orientationdirects air flow downward through the air slot 45 and horizontally in aflow direction 70 away from the center frame 25 along the ceiling of anoccupied space. Changing the mounting orientation of the universal airpattern controllers 15 to the opposite side of the air slot 45 willserve to direct the air flow in an opposite flow direction 70. Theuniversal air pattern controllers 15 are mountable in a fixed or aremovable position either upon installation or during fabrication bymanual manipulation and fixation with one or more spring clips 55 asdescribed herein to provide for different flow characteristics such asvolume control and directional control.

With reference to FIGS. 2B, 6, and 7, an alternative embodiment of theslot diffuser 110 with a universal air pattern controller 115 inaccordance with the present invention is shown. The tubular universalair pattern controllers 115 are mounted within the curved slot diffuser110. At least a portion of the profile of the curved slot diffuser 110and at least a portion of each air slot 145 is arcuate. Extruded sideframes 120 and a center frame 125 are likewise curved, and can beslidably joined at tracks 140 having an upper and lower lip, 140 a and140 b respectively, by a spacer such as an H-bar 135 in the mannerdescribed above. Flanges 130 are preferably unitarily extruded andcurved, and define the curved air slot 145. The universal air patterncontrollers 115 are mounted along and shaped during fabrication tocorrespond to the curved profile of the curved slot diffuser 110 and areheld in place by one or more spring clips 155 with a first end 165adapted to abut the universal air pattern controller 115, and a secondend 160 adapted to mate with the lower lip 140 a.

Traditionally, slot diffusers incorporating complex shapes or specialmaterials required complete re-engineering of the component parts inorder to provide an acceptable level of air pattern control. Theuniversal air pattern controllers 15 and 115 in accordance with thepresent invention have a single design for straight, curved, and shapedslot diffusers 10 and 110, that is easy to manufacture and install andprovides superior air pattern control to linear, concave or convexcurved, circular, ovular, triangular, and hexagonal applications, forexample, without the need to re-engineer and fabricate the workingcomponents within the slot diffusers 10 and 110.

Preferably, the side frames 20 and the center frame 25 of the slotdiffuser 10 used in conjunction with the universal air patterncontroller 15 are of a solid extruded aluminum construction.Alternatively, the side frames 20 and the center frame 25 can beconstructed of specialized materials for architectural or functionalpurposes, like stainless steel, brass, bronze, or other materials thatwould traditionally limit conventional fabrication of the slot diffusers10 and make the mounting of the universal air pattern controller 15particularly difficult.

The universal air pattern controller 15 is preferably constructed ofextruded aluminum. Although building codes and other regulations mayrestrict the materials that can be used, in certain application, inapplication where codes and regulations do not so limit the materials tobe used, the universal air pattern controller 15 can be constructed fromany durable material capable of being bent or shaped to correspond tothe contours of the slot diffuser 10. Alternatively, the universal airpattern controller 15 can be constructed from a flexible material suchas rubber, plastic, thermoplastic, polypropylene, polyurethane,polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride and the like. The universal air patterncontroller 15 can also be constructed of corrugated metal or plastic,braided wire, interlocking metal, multiple flexible layers of material,or incorporate fibrous reinforcement like braided nylon. The universalpattern controller 15 and can be extruded, injection molded, or formedfrom other methods known in the art, and can be shaped duringfabrication, or at any time prior to installation.

Because the curved, aerodynamic surface of the universal air patterncontroller 15 of the slot diffuser 10 induces a maximized Coand{hacekover (a)} effect at a point just before the fluid leaves the slotdiffuser 10, it is capable of creating tight, ceiling-hugging horizontalair patterns as well as vertical air patterns. Also advantageously, theuniversal air pattern controller 15 can easily be manufactured andshaped using standard equipment like a 3-point roll former withoutsignificant deformation or twisting. Though a circular cross section ispreferred, the universal air pattern controller 15 can have a crosssection that is oval, ovoid, or other substantially rounded shapes. Thesurface of the universal air pattern controller 15 is preferably smooth,but can alternatively incorporate textures that do not substantiallyinterfere with the air flow across the surface. Finally, the universalair pattern controller 15 need not be completely enclosed to form a truetube, but rather, must be at least substantially enclosed such that theworking surface of the universal air pattern controller 15 iscontinuous.

While this invention has been described with reference to preferredembodiments thereof, it is to be understood that variations andmodifications can be affected within the spirit and scope of theinvention as described herein and as described in the appended claims.

1. A slot diffuser with a universal air pattern controller suitable foruse in any of a curved, angled, linear, or specially-shaped slotdiffuser, the device comprising: a) an air slot diffuser comprising atleast two opposing and substantially parallel side frames having topedges and bottom edges, each side frame having a substantiallyperpendicular inwardly-extending flange at the bottom edge; b) a spacerconnecting the at least two side frames at the top edges, whereby theflanges of the connected side frames define elongate air slots, and c)one or more elongate, tubular universal air pattern controllers mountedadjacent at least one of the side frames and a corresponding side frameflange.
 2. The slot diffuser with a universal air pattern controller ofclaim 1, wherein the at least two opposing side frames further compriseinwardly-facing tracks adjacent the top edges.
 3. The slot diffuser witha universal air pattern controller of claim 2, wherein the tracksfurther comprise an upper lip and a lower lip, and wherein the upper andlower lip define a recessed area within the tracks.
 4. The slot diffuserwith a universal air pattern controller of claim 3, wherein the H-bar isadapted to slidably connect to the tracks of the side frames.
 5. Theslot diffuser with a universal air pattern controller of claim 1,wherein the one or more elongate tubular universal air patterncontrollers is mounted to at least one of the side frames by one or morespring clips.
 6. The slot diffuser with a universal air patterncontroller of claim 1, wherein the one or more elongate tubularuniversal air pattern controllers is mounted to at least one of the sideframes by one or more spring clips; wherein the one or more spring clipscomprise a first end and a second end; wherein the first end is adaptedto connect to the bottom lip of the track of at least one side frame;wherein the second end is adapted to abut the one or more elongatetubular universal air pattern controllers, and wherein the one or morespring clips apply supporting frictional force to urge the one or moreelongate tubular universal air pattern controllers into engagement withat least one side frame and hold the one or more elongate tubularuniversal air pattern controllers in place.
 7. The slot diffuser with auniversal air pattern controller of claim 1, wherein the shape of theslot diffuser is linear.
 8. The slot diffuser with a universal airpattern controller of claim 1, wherein the shape of at least a portionof the slot diffuser is curved.
 9. The slot diffuser with a universalair pattern controller of claim 1, wherein the shape of the slotdiffuser incorporates at least one angle.
 10. The slot diffuser with auniversal air pattern controller of claim 1, wherein the one or moreelongate, tubular universal air pattern controllers form a continuous,enclosed tube spanning substantially the length of the slot diffuser.11. The slot diffuser with a universal air pattern controller of claim1, wherein the cross section of the one or more elongate, tubularuniversal air pattern controllers is circular.
 12. A slot diffuser witha universal air pattern controller suitable for use in any of a curved,angled, linear, or specially-shaped slot diffuser, the devicecomprising: a) an air slot diffuser comprising at least one pair ofopposing and substantially parallel side frames having top edges andbottom edges, each side frame having a substantially perpendicularinwardly-extending flange at the bottom edge; b) at least one centerframe between each pair of side frames, each center frame having a topedge and a bottom edge, and each center frame having flanges at thebottom edge extending toward each opposing side frame; b) a spacerconnecting each side frame to the center frame at the top edges, wherebythe flanges of the connected side frames and center frame defineelongate air slots, and c) one or more elongate, tubular universal airpattern controllers mounted adjacent at least one side frame or centerframe and a corresponding side frame flange or center frame flange. 13.The slot diffuser with a universal air pattern controller of claim 12,wherein the at least one pair of opposing side frames and the at leastone center frame further comprise inwardly-facing tracks adjacent thetop edges, the tracks further comprising an upper lip adjacent the topedge of the side frame or the center frame, and a lower lip between theupper lip and the bottom edge of the side frame or center frame.
 14. Theslot diffuser with a universal air pattern controller of claim 13,wherein the spacer is an H-bar adapted to slidably connect to the tracksof the side frames and the tracks of the center frame.
 15. The slotdiffuser with a universal air pattern controller of claim 13, whereinthe one or more elongate tubular universal air pattern controllers aremounted to at least one side frame or the center frame by one or morespring clips.
 16. The slot diffuser with a universal air patterncontroller of claim 15, wherein the one or more spring clips comprise afirst end and a second end; wherein the first end is adapted to connectto the bottom lip of the track of at least one side frame or centerframe; wherein the second end is adapted to abut the one or moreelongate tubular universal air pattern controllers, and wherein the oneor more spring clips apply supporting frictional force to urge the oneor more elongate tubular universal air pattern controllers intoengagement with at least one side frame or center frame and hold the oneor more elongate tubular universal air pattern controllers in place. 17.The slot diffuser with a universal air pattern controller of claim 12,wherein the shape of at least a portion of the slot diffuser is curved.18. The slot diffuser with a universal air pattern controller of claim1, wherein the one or more elongate, tubular universal air patterncontrollers form a continuous, enclosed tube spanning substantially thelength of the slot diffuser, and wherein the cross section of the one ormore elongate, tubular universal air pattern controllers is circular.19. A slot diffuser with a universal air pattern controller suitable foruse in any of a curved, angled, linear, or specially-shaped slotdiffuser, device comprising: a) an air slot diffuser with a shapeincorporating at least one curve comprising at least two opposing,curved, and substantially parallel extruded side frames having top edgesand bottom edges, each side frame having a substantially perpendicularinwardly-extending and unitarily extruded flange at the bottom edge; b)a spacer connecting the at least two side frames at the top edges,whereby the flanges of the connected side frames define curved, elongateair slots, and c) one or more elongate, tubular universal air patterncontrollers mounted adjacent at least one curved side frame and acorresponding curved side frame flange by at least one spring clip. 20.The slot diffuser with a universal air pattern controller of claim 19,wherein the one or more elongate, tubular universal air patterncontrollers forms a continuous, enclosed tube spanning substantially thelength of the curved slot diffuser, and wherein the cross section of theone or more elongate, tubular universal air pattern controllers iscircular.